The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced that it currently has more than 310 million litres of petrol available for loading by marketers, in a move aimed at dispelling speculation about supply shortages and production setbacks.
In a statement issued on Monday, the company invited petroleum marketers to bring in their tanker trucks for immediate loading.
“Bring your tankers. We will load. Any number of tankers you bring, we’ll load,” the refinery’s Vice-President assured, emphasizing that operations at the facility remain stable and ongoing.
The management explained that the recent reduction in crude intake was a deliberate inventory and cost-management strategy, rather than a result of operational difficulties.
“We have not stopped production. The adjustment in crude procurement is a normal part of refinery management and market response,” the statement added.
The clarification follows public concern over rising pump prices across the country and rumours suggesting that the multi-billion-dollar refinery had slowed production. The Dangote Group maintained that with over 310 million litres in storage, the refinery possesses adequate capacity to meet domestic petrol demand.
Industry observers note that the assurance from the refinery could ease public anxiety and help stabilize the downstream sector, provided that distribution and logistics challenges are effectively managed.
Despite the company’s reassurance, petrol prices have continued to rise in several parts of the country, with some retail outlets selling at nearly ₦1,000 per litre. Analysts attribute the price volatility to transportation costs, foreign exchange fluctuations, and other market-driven factors, rather than a shortage of supply.
The 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery, located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos, is regarded as Africa’s largest single-train refining facility. It is expected to play a key role in Nigeria’s efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in petroleum products and reduce dependence on imports.
The company reiterated its commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s drive towards energy security and sustainable fuel supply across the nation.